

In this book, author Douglas Boyd has been given unrivalled access to the Legion to tell its story from its inception in the 1830s, when it was primarily used to protect and expand the French colonial empire during the 19th century, but it has also fought in almost all French wars including the Franco-Prussian War and both World Wars. Even today, the British are one of the largest foreign contingents in the world's longest standing mercenary army. For nearly two centuries adventure seekers or men on the run from all around the globe have found a home in the Foreign Legion and shed blood for France. The French Foreign Legion is an extraordinary and unique army, specifically created for foreign nationals wishing to serve in the French Armed Forces, but commanded by French officers.
